By Colonel R. E. Jackson

Well, as promised, as I said in my last Article, I would go more into
detail about Services, Benefits and Resources for those with Special
Needs.

As for me, after waiting for almost one year, my new Insurance provided
electric wheelchair arrived. It didn't have any cushions but despite that
and according to the invoice, it cost tax payers $22,000. I compared it
to buying a motorcycle in the early Winter, don't you want to be able to
enjoy it outside?

So, let's start there:

Despite most myths and misinformation, getting an electric wheelchair
isn't that difficult. Providing your Physician can document the need,
clearly have them state that you need a manual, electric or even an
electric chair with tilt features, it's almost straight forward, but
people make some simple mistakes.

1)   You can't walk into a company that provides medical equipment and
say; I need an electric chair. Even though we know many people that need
electric wheelchairs may have some ability to stand and walk short
distances, the employees of that company are Medicaid  Medicare licensed
and if they "see" you vertical and walking, they can't legitimately
provide you with a wheelchair.

It would be my guess that private insurance companies have the same rules
and guidelines so you may want to check with your insurance provider.

2)   For those of us that are Veterans; of which I am, you will need a
Medical Consult from your VA Physician and it is all handled in house by
the Physical Therapy Department. Though do know, there are guidelines
that will help keep from having to wait for some a unnecessary amount of
time.

3)   Whether private insurance, the VA or Medicaid and Medicare, your
Provider will want to provide a wheelchair for you that may end up being
problematic.

Example: If they provide you with a chair that has a 250 pound weight
capacity and you currently weigh 235 pounds, you may want to have them
upgrade you to a larger model because we all know, being confined to a
wheelchair is going to cause you to gain weight, not lose weight.
As the owner and long-time user of more than 10 chairs, I suggest you
avoid their kind offering of an electric scooter.  I would avoid their
kind offering an electric scooter. In my opinion, they are just too big
and bulky for small apartments and being used on city buses and Para
transit vehicles.

Another hurdle that is a tough one to get around is that unless there is
a medical reason why you can't "self propel" a manual chair, that will be
what you get. My argument with that logic is that despite the ADA of
1990, businesses and communities are rarely accessible and trying to
propel yourself around could be exhausting, if not even debilitating.
.but in their defense, the insurance providers will argue that the chair
is to provide you with assistance "inside the home", not outside. I don't
think that makes a lot of sense because what about the "quality of life"
issue?

Shouldn't you be able to travel about, visit friends, go to college and
even make medical appointments which are, duh! outside of your home.

4)   Final argument, what if you don't have insurance? Good Question.
If you were a Public Safety Officer and you had to retire due to injury
or disease, again of which I am one, you are entitled to a unbelievable
Cash Payment depending on when you separated from your Agency, through
the U.S. Department of Justice - Bureau of Justice Assistance Programs -
Public Safety Officers' Benefits.
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/psob/psob_main.html

Other than that, this is where Fraternal and Social organizations have to
step in. Easter Seals is probably the best bet because of their national
offices. My saving grace for the last year was a one of a kind
organization in Columbus Ohio called: the Veterans First Foundation but
it's only for Vets.

Unlike organizations like Goodwill or Chain Thrift Stores, any item that
they have at their facility, if you need it, you can have it at no
charge. From medical equipment to clothing, if you can provide them with
a copy of your DD-214, stop by and go shopping.
There are no guidelines on having to be from Columbus or even the state
of Ohio. http://www.veteransfirst.us/